Northwestern Medicine Cancer Centers Offer Supportive Oncology

The strain of being diagnosed with and living with cancer can be overwhelming. Patients and families may need help coping. Northwestern Medicine offers supportive oncology services to provide both emotional and practical support for patients and their families during all stages of cancer, from diagnosis, treatment, to recovery.

CoC-Accredited Programs

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital Cancer Center and Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital are all proud to be CoC-Accredited Programs.

The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) recognizes Central DuPage Hospital, Delnor Hospital, Kishwaukee Hospital, McHenry Hospital and Palos Hospital as CoC-accredited cancer programs for their voluntary commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. The CoC encompasses the best minds in cancer care, utilizing expertise from the entire oncology community to set the highest standards of care for CoC-accredited cancer programs. CoC accreditation challenges cancer programs to enhance the care they provide by addressing patient-centered needs and measuring the quality of the care they deliver against national standards.

Nurse navigators to guide you

The goal of your cancer care team is to help reduce anxiety associated with cancer treatment and support your overall wellbeing. Each patient is assigned a specialized nurse navigator to guide you and your family through treatment.

Your navigator works closely with your physicians to coordinate your care, answer questions and connect you to beneficial support services. Throughout your care, your navigator will provide education about your diagnosis and care plan.

Nutrition services

Healthy eating is important for everyone, but people with cancer often have special concerns. Registered dietitians provide up-to-date, research-based nutrition advice throughout cancer treatment and into recovery.

A registered dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition is available to discuss your nutritional needs, provide resources and education and answer your nutrition questions when you undergo chemotherapy. Topics include managing your appetite, enhancing your immune system and getting adequate nutrition.

Rehabilitation services

When cancer surgery or treatment has left you feeling weaker, having difficulty keeping up with your activities of daily living or with special physical needs, you can depend on our Rehabilitation staff to get you back on the road to recovery.

Physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists can work with you on strength and conditioning, self-care, swallowing and communication. They can also perform manual lymph drainage, compression and exercises to help you manage the symptoms of lymphedema and avoid inflammation and infections.

Classes and support groups

Northwestern Medicine offers a variety of classes and support groups to assist you and your loved ones as you navigate cancer treatment. Learn more about our offerings today by visiting classes, events and support groups.

Wig Boutiques

For patients experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer treatment, Northwestern Medicine Living Well Cancer Resources offers virtual wig consultations. Our wig specialists will help you choose a wig that fits your needs and lifestyle from the privacy of your home. Thanks to generous donations from community organizations and individuals, all wigs are available at no cost to patients.

Learn more at cancer support services.